Notre Dame CB Boyd a possibility for USF?

Another new name in the summer-fun game of Will This Talented Floridian Transfer to USF: Spencer Boyd, a top-rated cornerback from Cape Coral, is transferring from Notre Dame after one semester with the Fighting Irish.

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Boyd's name surfaced on Notre Dame blogs and message boards last week, and today, his father Scott confirmed that Boyd will transfer after completing summer classes in South Bend. He said his son hopes to transfer to USF and is expected to meet with Bulls coaches "very soon" about the possibility.

"South Florida is at the top of his list," he said.

The Big East has a policy that keeps football players from transferring from one member school to another, but the league confirmed to the Times last week that Notre Dame, as a football independent, does not fall under that policy as it relates to football.

Boyd, 5-foot-10 and 175 pounds, was rated as a three-star recruit by both Rivals.com and Scout.com -- Rivals had him as the No. 39 cornerback recruit in the country. He also was ranked as the No. 70 overall prospect in the state of Florida -- only two USFsignees were rated higher -- cornerback Terrence Mitchell was No. 15 and defensive tackle Todd Chandler was No. 41. Boyd had six interceptions last fall as a senior at Cape Coral, and returned two kickoffs for touchdowns as a junior, including a 104-yard return.

USF has had success recruiting Cape Coral in the past -- receiver Taurus Johnson and safety Nate Allen are both on NFL rosters this summer after standout careers with the Bulls. Boyd is also friends with current USF cornerback Quenton Washington, who is from nearby North Fort Myers High.

Boyd's father said because of a medical condition for an immediate family member, Boyd could be eligible for a hardship waiver that would allow him to play immediately at USF rather than sitting out a year as typically required. USF has had success in obtaining hardship waivers from the NCAA in the past.

The South Bend Tribune also wrote about Boyd's transfer on Thursday, identifying USF as "one of his most likely options." The Tribune reported that Boyd needs to complete his summer classes to put himself in good academic standing to get a release from Notre Dame.

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